Leone De Castris Primitivo Di Manduria 2009

Full-Bodied - The nose reveals a rich perfume of fruity hints as plum and sour black cherries and also spices as ginger and vanilla. In the mouth it is warm, full and velvety.

After a long maceration and fermentation at a checked temperature (20-22 degrees C), the wine sharpens in barrels of oak wood for about 6 months. At sight it is deep red, almost purplish. The nose reveals a rich perfume of fruity hints as plum and sour black cherries and also spices as ginger and vanilla. In the mouth it is warm, full and velvety. Very good with grilled meat, tasty baked pastas, ripe cheese.

The important diffusion of Primitivo in Salento has begun towards the end of the 19th century. Primitivo is native of Gioia del Colle, province of Bari, but the variety grown in Lecce, Brindisi and Taranto, is the one most appreciated and renowned all over the world. -wm

The 2009 Primitivo di Manduria Villa Santera is a joyous red bursting with varietal character. Dark fruit, licorice, clovers and flowers emerge with lovely inner sweetness, adding complexity to the dense, expressive fruit. This is another winner from Leone de Castris. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2014. If these wines are any indication, recently arrived consulting oenologist Riccardo Cotarealla is having a profound impact on quality at Leone de Castris. - WA